CARDIAC VALVE ALLOGRAFTS (HOMOGRAFTS) highlights the current controversy about freehand subcoronary aortic valve and root replacement with regard to postoperative morbidity and long term durability. It discusses particular implantation techniques of preference in young patients and in different root pathology. Other chapters address intermediate- and long-term results on cardiac valve and vascular homografts for treating complicating cardiac valve and aortic infections. The chapter on basic science additionally makes this book a highly authoritative reference source for cardiac surgeons, physicians and scientists. This work provides a current survey of the state-of-the-art.

Principles of Heart Valve Engineering is the first comprehensive resource for heart valve engineering that covers a wide range of topics, including biology, epidemiology, imaging and cardiovascular medicine. It focuses on valves, therapies, and how to develop safer and more durable artificial valves. The book is suitable for an interdisciplinary audience, with contributions from bioengineers and cardiologists that includes coverage of valvular and potential future developments. This book provides an opportunity for bioengineers to study all topics relating to heart valve engineering in a single book as written by subject matter experts. - Covers the depth and breadth of this interdisciplinary area of research - Encompasses a wide range of topics, from basic science, to the translational applications of heart valve engineering - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field that are heavily illustrated

It was the genius of Gordon Murray in Toronto that introduced the use of allografts into cardiac surgery in the 1950s. Soon after this on opposite sides ofthe world, Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes in Auckland, New Zealand, and Mr. Donald Ross in London, undertook to use allografts for the replacement of diseased aortic valves. Since that time the global interest in allografts has been patchy, episodic, and without a con sensus. Nonetheless, for the last 20 years at least three groups in the world have steadfastly pursued the development of new and relevant information concerning the use of allograft valves in humans. These are the centres of Sir Brian Barratt Boyes, Mr. Donald Ross, and Mark O'Brien in Brisbane. More recently, talented investigators, including Drs. Yankah, Yacoub, and others, have been developing information concerning the immunological aspects of the use of allografts, as well as their clinical use. No doubt, at present, cardiac valve allografts of one sort or another are the devices of choice for conduits and have an important place in the surgery of aortic valve replacement. Even so, in the mind of this writer at least, the future usefulness of allografts for the replacement of diseased cardiac valves and conduits between a ventricle and the pulmonary artery, remains problematic, and depends upon improvements in other devices for this purpose and upon improve ments that may be made in preparing and using allografts.

A major need of all cardiologists and surgeons involved with the application of allograft tissue to cardiac surgical reconstructions is met by this unique atlas. Step by step, it carefully describes the procedures involved in acquiring, sterilizing, and cryo-preserving allograft valves as well as the surgical technique used in left and right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions. All of the information needed to perform the reconstructions is given, including relevant references and applicable variations in method. Excellent illustrations accompany the description of surgical technique. All of the techniques are based on classic approaches, but assimilate the authors' modifications arrived at through vast experience. The wealth of references, illustrations and expertise in this volume make it a valuable asset for all cardiac surgeons.

In addition to outlining the fundamental principles associated with the conservation of biological resources, freeze-drying and cryopreservation, this text is a compilation of cryptopreservation and freeze-drying methodologies applicable to different biological materiels, developed by expert laboratories.

The surgical treatment of the aortic valve and root disease, organic and ischemic mitral regurgitation, and endocarditis has made great strides. This book focuses on surgical approaches to and various trends in aortic valve repair, aortic root and valve replacement with pulmonary autograft, aortic allograft, stentless and stented bioprostheses.